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The discussion on who should be India’s next wicket-keeper batsman has once again gained momentum like never before. The selectors hardly had to think of any replacement ever since MS Dhoni made his debut in 2004.
Post his retirement, it has become an upheaval task for the selectors to find the right replacement. Rishabh Pant was the first preference, but his inconsistencies made way for KL Rahul in the limited over format.
Wriddhiman Saha has been holding his position in Test after Dhoni’s retirement. Samson’s recent exploits in IPL have also made him one of the strongest contenders for the spot.
Ganguly opined Saha and Pant as the two-best wicket-keeper batsmen in India
The present BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly, named the two best wicket-keeper batsmen of India ahead of the Australia series. Ganguly backed the young Rishabh Pant, who has not been playing his natural game. He had a disappointing season where he managed to score just 343 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 113.95.
Rishabh Pant’s inconsistencies led to his omission from the limited-overs squad against Australia. Pant was to replace Dhoni’s legacy, but he has so far performed unevenly in the given chances by the team management. He has to work on his form and fitness to become a regular member of the team.
The 23-year-old will face stiff competition against Saha for his place in the Playing XI against Australia in the Test series. Saha who was in great touch in IPL, scored 214 runs in 4 games, before getting injured. The 36-year-old has recently returned to Team India’s training session and was looking in right touch with the bat in the nets.
On the playing XI for Tests, Ganguly said that the player with better form will be preferred in the team. Pant will not be a part of India’s squad in the limited-over format in Australia. However, KL Rahul and Sanju Samson are the wicket-keeper batsmen for three ODIs and as many T20Is.
On the test front, it has always been Saha as the first choice for home tests. Pant has featured in the away tests and it is likely to continue with the upcoming tours to Australia. Pant and Saha are part of the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy beginning on December 17, 2020.